When Karleen bought her small country home in Castleton, Vermont, it seemed large enough for
herself, her twin sons and Betty, an adult foster person with cerebral palsy. But life changed
dramatically in 1996 when Karleen married Arnie Ponto, who has cerebral palsy and uses a
wheelchair. Suddenly, the family needed much more space. A friend at Vermont Center for
Independent Living suggested the Pontos go to Opportunities for a loan for home modifications. The
family grew again when Karleen and Arnie adopted their “Angel.” Angel, now 5, has spina bifida,
but does not let that interfere with her passion for horses. They now have nine miniature horses
and Shetland ponies that they train for others with disabilities to enjoy. They also share their
farm with chickens, goats, five dogs, three cats, a rabbit and a turkey.

Using an Omega
Trac wheelchair that can tow a wagon with 1,000 pounds of manure, Arnie lives a full and
independent life, sharing in all the farm work. Opportunities came to his aid again in 2004 with a
loan for expensive wheelchair repairs.

“Without this wheelchair, the quality of
my life is vastly reduced. It’s the difference of living a full life and fulfilling your dreams or
watching other people live theirs.” – Arnie